Mumbai airport cab strike could mean longer waits for travellers

Mumbai airport commutes could get trickier this week as an ongoing strike by some app-based cab drivers threatens to limit ride-hailing services to and from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). The airport has advised passengers to plan their journeys in advance after some cab drivers rejected bookings at the airport on Tuesday, August 18, leading to longer waits.

CSMIA said the strike could affect the availability of app-based cabs, including popular services like Ola and Uber. If you’re travelling to the airport or heading home from there, leave early or consider an alternative mode of transport.

Flight operations remain unaffected, so the turbulence is on the streets, not in the skies. If you have a flight to catch, the message is simple: don’t leave your airport journey until the last minute. Give yourself extra time to get to the terminal and avoid a frantic dash to your gate.

What’s happening with the Mumbai airport cab strike?

The Mumbai airport cab drivers strike is mainly centred around Terminal 2 as some app-based cab drivers restricted bookings, causing disruption around the airport area. The protest is against the aggregator policies and seeking better payouts and fixed fares – plus calling for action against unauthorised bike taxis and multi-passenger car-pooling services.

Reportedly, the cab drivers have cited shrinking profit margins and platform commissions, with rising operational and fuel costs remaining one of the concerns. There is also a demand for implementation of state-notified tariffs and higher earnings per kilometre.

What are the alternative transport options from Mumbai airport?

As the availability of app-based cab rides might get patchy, travellers in Mumbai aren’t out of options. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport ground staff have been directing passengers towards conventional metered kaali-peeli taxis, nearest Mumbai Metro links and Cool Cabs – your road turbulence is taken care of in the city.

If you’re flying out or landing in Mumbai, consider reserving an alternative ride ahead of time and keep an eye on public transport, and add it to your Mumbai airport game plan. Your flight may be perfectly on schedule, but the journey to the airport is where a real plot twist could be.